Question 1
A patient's PA catheter readings show: RAP 4 mmHg, PA 38/22 mmHg, PCWP 8 mmHg, CO 3.2 L/min, SVR 1,800 dynes·s/cm⁻⁵. This hemodynamic profile is MOST consistent with:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D - Hypovolemic shock
10 free, exam-style Certification in Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) practice questions with answers and explanations. No signup required. Work through them below, then take the full free CCRN practice test to study every exam domain.
The CCRN exam has 150 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free CCRN questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Certification in Acute/Critical Care Nursing blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A patient's PA catheter readings show: RAP 4 mmHg, PA 38/22 mmHg, PCWP 8 mmHg, CO 3.2 L/min, SVR 1,800 dynes·s/cm⁻⁵. This hemodynamic profile is MOST consistent with:
Correct answer: D - Hypovolemic shock
A patient in cardiogenic shock has the following hemodynamic values: CI 1.6 L/min/m², PCWP 26 mmHg, SVR 2,400 dynes·s/cm⁻⁵. Which medication is MOST appropriate to improve cardiac output while reducing afterload?
Correct answer: C - Dobutamine
A patient with ARDS has the following ventilator settings: AC/VC, VT 350 mL (6 mL/kg IBW), RR 24, PEEP 14, FiO₂ 80%. ABG shows pH 7.18, PaCO₂ 65, PaO₂ 52. The MOST appropriate NEXT intervention is:
Correct answer: C - Increase the respiratory rate and consider prone positioning
During DKA treatment, the patient's blood glucose drops to 220 mg/dL but the anion gap remains elevated at 18. The nurse should anticipate:
Correct answer: A - Adding dextrose to IV fluids while continuing insulin infusion
A patient with AKI develops a potassium of 6.8 mEq/L with peaked T waves and widened QRS on ECG. The FIRST medication to administer is:
Correct answer: D - Calcium gluconate IV
A patient develops acute respiratory distress, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates, and hypoxemia 3 hours after a blood transfusion. Blood pressure is 84/52 mmHg and BNP is normal. This is MOST consistent with:
Correct answer: B - TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury)
A patient with a T4 spinal cord injury develops a sudden severe headache, blood pressure of 230/120 mmHg, bradycardia, flushing and diaphoresis above the injury level, and goosebumps below. The FIRST nursing action is:
Correct answer: D - Sit patient upright and remove triggering stimulus
A patient's ICP is 32 mmHg. The EVD is open and draining, HOB is at 30 degrees, and the head is midline. Mannitol was given 30 minutes ago without improvement. The NEXT intervention the nurse should anticipate is:
Correct answer: D - Administer hypertonic saline
After receiving 30 mL/kg of crystalloid, a patient with septic shock remains hypotensive with a MAP of 56 mmHg. The NEXT intervention is:
Correct answer: B - Start a norepinephrine infusion
A patient's advance directive states no intubation. The family insists the patient be intubated. The nurse's MOST appropriate action is:
Correct answer: A - Honor the patient's advance directive, which represents the patient's autonomous wishes
The CCRN exam also covers these domains. Drill them in the full free practice test:
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